Editas licenses new CRISPR IP

Editas Medicine Inc. (NASDAQ:EDIT) licensed IP from six institutions covering CRISPR-based gene editing technologies. The IP includes a new gene editing system that uses the CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1 (Cpf1) endonuclease, rather than CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9), to cut target DNA. The IP also covers new forms of the Cas9 endonuclease and other CRISPR-Cas9 technologies.

Last year, Editas co-founder Feng Zhang first reported Cpf1 as an alternative to Cas9. The enzyme is smaller than Cas9, making it easier to package in delivery vehicles. It also has the potential to target different genes than Cas9, and could be more efficient (see BioCentury Innovations, Oct. 29, 2015). ...